HIV transmission through oral sex is possible but rare. The risk is higher if there is blood, ejaculation, or poor oral health. Using protection and knowing your partner’s status helps reduce risk.
You can be at risk if:
You perform oral sex on someone who has HIV and:
They ejaculate in your mouth
You have cuts, sores, bleeding gums, or dental issues
You receive oral sex from someone who has bleeding gums or mouth sores and they have HIV (less common)
Presence of blood (from gums, sores, menstruation)
Poor oral health (cuts, recent dental work, infections)
High viral load in the HIVpositive partner
How to reduce the risk:
Use condoms for oral sex on a penis
Use dental dams for oral sex on a vulva or anus
Avoid oral sex if you or your partner has mouth sores, bleeding, or STIs
Maintain good oral hygiene and avoid brushing teeth right before sex
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